Prison operating costs in New York State have risen by 148 percent since 1983, while the number of inmates has increased only 93 percent. It is estimated that the state's prison population will grow from the current 54,900 to 74,400 by the year 2000.

• Seven other states with more than 20,000 inmates operate their prison systems at a significantly lower cost per prisoner.

• Operating costs in New York are $24,173 per inmate, nearly $7,000 higher than the average of the other states.

• If New York brought its costs in line with those of the other states, it could save almost $400 million annually.

Spending could be reduced without jeopardizing the safety of corrections officers or inmates.

A primary factor in New York's high prison costs is the staffing ratio. At 567 staff per 1,000 inmates, the ratio is 37 percent higher than the average of the other states with large prisoner populations.

Source: Empire Foundation for Policy Research, 301 Hamilton Street, Robinson Square, Albany, NY 12210, (518) 432-4444.

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